Could the metropolitan line go to a TOC?

[stuu]

Fair enough. Maybe there's another way to look at this. How about a handful of peak chiltern services that run through to moorgate (presumably no space at aldgate)?

A 'superfast Met' dmu service of sorts. Is this logistically possible, is there room to run anything faster than the existing fast Met?

Running anything with tanks full of diesel along the circle line is a very bad idea

 

[Elecman]

Why cannot there be derogations for limited 3rd/4th rail extensions, e.g. Amersham to Aylesbury (which is only 15 miles), or the non-electrified gaps on the Reading-Redhill line? It would enable services to be rationalised and reduce the running of diesel trains over long stretches of electrified track. It would be much simpler for the Metropolitan as part of TfL to run all services south of Aylesbury via Amersham, and for the LSW franchise to run the Reading-Redhill/Gatwick airport services.

Because the ORR has pronounced against any more 3rd/4th rail electrification on safety grounds citing the Electricity at Work Regulations. they are most unlikely to change thier minds and lose face

 

[Railwaysceptic]

Academic as you would not get authority to put 3/4th rail down over such a distance ,and the costs would be astronomical with sub stations every few miles.

Academic also because London Underground many moons ago decided it would not go back to Aylesbury because that town is so far out of London and does not provide adequate revenue. (Chiltern Trains off peak are a mere two coaches long)

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Academic also because London Underground many moon ago decided it would not go back to Aylesbury because that town is so far out of London and does not provide adequate revenue. (Chiltern Trains off peak are a mere two coaches long)

That is indeed a very valid point.

Whilst Aylesbury has some business direct to London , the proximity of a good road to Tring and excellent parking there , along with a pretty decent service to London Euston - 2 tph starting there and other calls on trains from further afield has been optimised by commuters.